Studio Gang Architects at The Art Institute of Chicago

Fans of architecture and/or the creative process will want to make time to visit Art Institute of Chicago for their exhibit that goes behind the scenes of Studio Gang Architects, the firm behind iconic modern structures around the world.

As a former handbag designer and avid DIYer, I am fascinated by the creative process. And while I'm used to seeing behind the scenes for small projects, it's another thing to see the process that goes into building a residential structure.

For those unfamiliar with Studio Gang, they are the folks behind the Aqua Tower, as well as other large scale projects around the world. The firm, headed by MacArthur Fellow Jeanne Gang, prides itself on designing structures that are organically inspired but still maintain a modern appearance. This exhibit helps show the long process involved in designing such structures, from renderings to models to finished product. From the Art Institute's website:

The exhibition, a custom-made installation designed by SGA in collaboration with curators from the museum's Department of Architecture and Design, echoes the firm's studio-like environment, allowing visitors to see material samples, full-scale project mock-ups, research materials, digital media, and films. Building: Inside Studio Gang Architects truly brings contemporary architecture to life, showing the full lifespan of the creative architectural process--how an idea becomes a building.

One takeaway from the exhibit that I'm tempted to recreate in my own home is the painted stump/bench (images 4 and 5). So modern! So organic! So easy to DIY!